The Buy Back Shop will open on Saturday, 20 August from 10am to 3pm.
Councillor Lenore Wyatt, who is a passionate supporter of living sustainably, has been proactive in advocating for a Buy Back Shop since 2017.
“We are excited to open the Buy Back Shop. The Shop represents another major step towards embedding the circular economy in Mareeba,” Cr Wyatt said.
“The shop is packed to the rafters. From bicycles to fishing gear, crockery, tables and chairs, you never know what treasure you might find. I invite the community to come and grab a bargain at the Buy Back Shop.”
“Waste management is changing. We no longer ‘dump rubbish’, waste is now recognised as a product that must be managed,” Cr Wyatt explained.
Mayor Angela Toppin congratulated Cr Wyatt, Councillors and Council Officers on the opening of the Buy Back Shop.
“While we aspire to reduce and even avoid waste, if these goals are not achievable then we, as a Council and as a community, must look to the circular economy for ways to recycle or reuse waste materials for as long as possible,” Mayor Toppin said.
The Buy Back Shop will result in improved environmental, financial and social outcomes for the community and will operate at no net cost to Council.
“Mareeba Shire Council is 3-years in to a 10-year waste strategy. The Buy Back Shop will reduce waste and enhance reuse of waste products. Furthermore, income generated from sales at the Buy Back Shop will offset the cost increases associated with the State Waste Levy and the closure of the Mareeba Landfill. Council will also use the income generated to support recycling initiatives,” Mayor Angela Toppin explained.
“Are you planning a spring-clean, or you have items that you no longer use? Instead of throwing these items in the bin, you can bring items of good quality to the Buy Back Shop. Visit Council’s website for more information on goods accepted.” Cr Wyatt concluded.
The Buy Back Shop, located at the Mareeba Resource Recovery Centre, which is part of the Mareeba Transfer Station on Vaughan Street in Mareeba, will be open to the public every Saturday from 10am to 3pm.